InvoluntaryUnemployment Assistance

Losing your job can be an incredibly stressful experience and you might be wondering how you’re going to make ends meet. We’re here for you, and we’ll do what we can to help you with your health cover.

Call us: 13 13 34

At HCF, our members are at the heart of everything we do. We put your health before anything else.

That’s why, if you’re an eligible member^* and find yourself unexpectedly unemployed, we’ll cover the cost of your health cover for up to 6 months. We’ve helped thousands of members remain covered during the tough times, so they can rest assured knowing that their healthcare needs are still taken care of.

WHO CAN ACCESS OUR SUPPORT

To receive Involuntary Unemployment Assistance, you’ll need to apply within 3 months of becoming unemployed and meet the following eligibility criteria^*:

• You’ve had HCF hospital cover for at least 12 months and aren’t listed as a dependant^{^}.
• You don’t just have Extras Only, Ambulance Only or Overseas Visitors Health Cover.
• If you were an employee, you’ve been involuntarily retrenched or made redundant by your employer, which was not due to an unsuccessful probation period, resignation, voluntary redundancy, unsatisfactory work performance or unemployment due to medical reasons. Plus, you previously worked at least 20 hours per week in a permanent role (not temporary or fixed contract) for at least 6 months prior to becoming unemployed.
• If you were self-employed, your business has gone into involuntary liquidation or been made bankrupt.
• You’ve been unemployed for more than 29 days.

If you don’t meet these criteria, contact us and we’ll explore other options, like pausing your membership.

INFORMATION YOU’LL NEED TO PROVIDE

You’ll need to provide supporting information to demonstrate you meet the eligibility criteria and that you’re actively looking for work.

If you were an employee, this includes a letter from your employer confirming your involuntary retrenchment or redundancy.

If you were self-employed, this includes written confirmation that your business is involuntarily liquidated or bankrupt from the Australian Financial Services Authority or an accountant or legal practitioner with their company letterhead.

^* See HCF Fund Rules for full details.

^{^} For Healthmate hospital product policyholders and/or partners, you need to have had cover for at least 2 months.